Kim Hye-soo is a legendary actress in South Korean entertainment. With a career spanning decades, she has shown her versatility in many roles. As of 2025, she continues to impress audiences with her powerful performances. Let’s look at some of her best work in Korean dramas and movies.
1. Unmasked (2025)
Kim Hye-soo’s latest drama, “Unmasked,” is a must-watch for fans of action and comedy. In this Disney+ series, she plays Oh So-ryong, a passionate team leader of a group called Trigger. They are investigative journalists who use cameras as their weapons to uncover the truth about villains.
The show mixes humor with intense action scenes. Kim Hye-soo’s character is not just a team leader but also part detective and journalist. Her unique way of investigating often leads to interesting moral questions. This role showcases Kim’s ability to blend toughness with humor.
“Unmasked” tackles important social issues like cults and moral decay in society. It’s more than just entertainment; it’s a commentary on modern life. Kim Hye-soo’s performance adds depth to these themes, making the show both exciting and thought-provoking.
2. Hyena (2020)
In “Hyena,” Kim Hye-soo plays Jung Geum-ja, a lawyer who will do anything to win. This drama shows the world of lawyers who work for the richest 1% of society. Jung Geum-ja is clever, tough, and not afraid to bend the rules to get what she wants.
Kim’s portrayal of Geum-ja is captivating. She shows a character who is both ruthless in her pursuit of success and charming in her interactions. The drama explores the line between right and wrong in the legal world, with Kim’s character often walking that line.
“Hyena” was praised for its fast-paced story and the chemistry between Kim Hye-soo and her co-star Ju Ji-hoon. It’s a perfect watch for those who enjoy legal dramas with a twist.
3. The Queen of Office (2013)
This drama showcases Kim Hye-soo in a role that many office workers can relate to. She plays Miss Kim, a temporary worker who is perfect at her job. Miss Kim is so good that even her bosses are a bit afraid of her.
The show looks at Korean workplace culture through Miss Kim’s eyes. She stands up against unfair practices and refuses to do work outside her contract. Kim Hye-soo brings a mix of mystery and strength to this character. We never learn Miss Kim’s full name or background, which adds to her intrigue.
“The Queen of Office” was so popular that Kim Hye-soo won the highest award at the 2013 KBS Drama Awards for her performance. It’s a great choice for viewers who enjoy workplace dramas with strong female leads.
4. Signal (2016)
While not the main character, Kim Hye-soo’s role in “Signal” is unforgettable. She plays Cha Soo-hyun, a skilled detective in a drama that mixes crime-solving with time travel elements. Her character works with a team that can communicate across time to solve cold cases.
Kim’s portrayal of Cha Soo-hyun shows her range as an actress. She brings depth to a character dealing with past traumas while trying to solve present-day crimes. Her performance helps ground the fantastical elements of the story in reality.
“Signal” is widely regarded as one of the best Korean dramas of all time. Kim Hye-soo’s contribution to this critically acclaimed show solidifies her status as a top actress in Korea.
5. The Thieves (2012)
Moving to the big screen, “The Thieves” is an action-packed heist movie that showcases Kim Hye-soo’s charm and versatility. She plays Yenicall, a cat burglar who is part of a team planning to steal a valuable diamond.
In this movie, Kim shows off her action skills and her ability to play a charismatic and cunning character. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast, including other big names in Korean cinema, is a highlight of the film.
“The Thieves” was a massive hit in Korea and helped cement Kim Hye-soo’s status as a movie star. It’s a fun watch for anyone who enjoys Ocean’s Eleven-style heist movies with a Korean twist.
6. Tazza: The High Rollers (2006)
“Tazza: The High Rollers” is a classic in Kim Hye-soo’s filmography. She plays Madame Jeong, a mysterious and alluring woman in the world of high-stakes gambling. Her performance in this movie is often cited as one of her most iconic roles.
Kim brings a mix of sensuality and danger to her character, creating a memorable villain that audiences love to hate. The movie explores the dark side of gambling and the lengths people will go to for money and power.
This film showcases Kim Hye-soo’s ability to steal scenes even in a supporting role. It’s a must-watch for fans of Korean cinema and anyone interested in seeing one of Kim’s career-defining performances.
7. Default (2018)
In “Default,” Kim Hye-soo takes on a more serious role. She plays Han Shi-hyun, a financial analyst trying to prevent a national financial crisis. This movie is based on the true story of the 1997 Asian financial crisis that hit South Korea hard.
Kim’s performance as Han Shi-hyun shows her ability to portray complex, professional characters. She brings intensity and intelligence to the role, helping to make a movie about economics engaging and thrilling.
“Default” is an important film that looks at a crucial moment in recent Korean history. Kim Hye-soo’s strong performance helps bring this story to life for audiences who might not be familiar with the events.
8. The Day I Died: Unclosed Case (2020)
This mystery thriller shows a different side of Kim Hye-soo. She plays Hyun-soo, a detective investigating the disappearance of a teenage girl. The role allows Kim to explore more emotional depth as her character deals with personal issues while trying to solve the case.
Kim’s portrayal of Hyun-soo is nuanced and touching. She shows the struggle of a woman trying to balance her professional duties with her personal pain. The film deals with heavy themes, and Kim’s performance helps bring sensitivity to these topics.
“The Day I Died: Unclosed Case” is a good choice for viewers who appreciate slower-paced, thoughtful mysteries. It showcases Kim Hye-soo’s ability to carry a film with her emotional performance.
9. Juvenile Justice (2022)
In “Juvenile Justice,” Kim Hye-soo plays a judge who deals with youth crimes. Her character, Sim Eun-seok, is known for her tough stance on juvenile offenders. This Netflix series tackles the complex issue of youth crime and punishment in Korea.
Kim brings a stern authority to her role as Judge Sim. However, as the series progresses, we see more layers to her character. She portrays the internal struggle of someone who must balance justice with compassion when dealing with young offenders.
This drama showcases Kim Hye-soo’s ability to lead a series that deals with serious social issues. It’s an important watch for anyone interested in legal dramas or social commentary in Korean media.
10. Trigger (2025)
Coming full circle to her most recent work, “Trigger” is another exciting entry in Kim Hye-soo’s impressive career. While similar in some ways to “Unmasked,” this show focuses more on the world of investigative journalism.
Kim plays Oh So-ryong, the leader of a team that uses unconventional methods to uncover the truth. The show promises a mix of action, humor, and social commentary, all anchored by Kim’s charismatic performance.
“Trigger” looks set to be another hit for Kim Hye-soo, showcasing her ability to lead ensemble casts and tackle relevant social issues through entertainment.
